AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – After leadership upheaval and Office of Inspector General investigations that flagged staffing shortages and a workplace where some employees feared retaliation, VA Augusta says it is rebuilding trust and rebuilding its workforce.

VA Augusta has spent the past year under scrutiny. Inside the dental clinic, Dr. Nicole Boudau found the residency offers volume and hands-on experience.

“Our lab guy is amazing. His name’s Rico. He really does so much for us. And he teaches us a lot, too. He’s very hands-on with us,” Boudau said.

The Lakeside graduate came to VA Augusta immediately after finishing dental school in Augusta.

“One of the best things that it offers is you don’t have to sell treatment. You actually get to treat the patient to the best you can, and they can make their own choices,” Boudau said.

Workforce improvements

Boudau said in private practice, care can get boxed in by coverage and cost. At VA Augusta, residents see more cases, do more procedures, and sharpen skills faster.

Interim Director James Doelling said the progress is showing up in the numbers. Employee vacancy rates are down from about 20% to 12%, and more staff now feel safe speaking up.

“You have satisfaction. You have psychological safety. We’re not robots. Humans aren’t robots. So if you’re happy, you’re going to do a better job,” Doelling said.

The improvements reflect in Medicare’s most recent rating for the Augusta VA, from two stars in 2024 to three stars last year to four stars this year.

“It’s amazing. It’s an honor. It taught me so much about me as a dentist,” Boudau said.

Boudau is staying in Augusta and moving into private practice. Doelling said the facility’s push continues.

VA Augusta’s job fair is Saturday, May 16, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Uptown Campus Auditorium, Room 3B-111. The VA is hiring physicians, RNs, LPNs, CRNAs, medical supply and surgical techs, dietitians, and radiology techs. Many clinical positions come with bonuses and incentives.

WASHINGTON (7News) — Passengers on a PSA Airlines flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) evacuated onto a taxiway at Kansas City International Airport after the crew reported smoke in the cabin shortly after landing.

The crew of PSA Airlines Flight 5318 reported smoke in the cabin after landing at Kansas City International Airport around 3:35 p.m. local time on Friday, May 15, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The 76 passengers deplaned on the taxiway.

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The flight, also referred to as American Eagle flight 5318, was operated on a Bombardier CRJ-900 that departed from DCA in Washington, D.C., the FAA said. There were four crew members on board, according to American Airlines.

The FAA said the information is preliminary and subject to change, and the agency will investigate.